What is Libido & How Does it Change With Age?

Published: January, 05 2021

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First things, first: exactly what is libido?

Libido is commonly mistaken for ED, but is actually very different. Libido refers to a person’s overall sex drive, sexual interest, and desire for sex. It’s influenced by a variety of factors (social factors, biological factors, and physiological factors). Libido changes due to factors like stress, relationship issues, and hormone levels.

The World Health Organization states that sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality, which means how you feel sexually is a good indicator of your overall quality of life.

In this quick article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of libido. Whether you’re experiencing normal, high, or low libido, getting to know the details of your arousal levels (and what contributes to them) can lead to a happier, healthier sex life.

What Affects Libido?

Every individual’s sexual drive and desires are different. While we discuss what does libido mean, it’s good to remember that there’s no such thing as a “normal” libido. If you’re experiencing a loss of libido—or heightened libido—this might be due to a variety of factors.

Causes of Low Libido

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Something to consider when discussing low libido is how happy you are in your relationship. Decreased libido can come due to poor communication or a lack of trust. It can also happen in long term relationships, as you become more familiar with one another as sexual partners.

Low sex drive can also be the result of physical issues. These include vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, painful sex, and ejaculation problems.

Stress, anxiety, depression, and exhaustion can lead to low libido levels, as can medication for high blood pressure and antidepressants. Hormonal contraceptives, like the hormonal birth control pill, ring, or patch, can also lower the female libido and be the main culprit of reduced sex drive due to hormone level changes and due to the hormonal contraceptives.

Excess drug and alcohol use over a long period of time is also a reason for decreased and low sex drive in men and women alike.

Causes of High Libido

It’s common for your libido and sexual motivation to fluctuate, and just like low libido, what’s high for one person may not be high for another person. But, if your sex drive is higher than usual, this can be due to a handful of factors.

Stress is a big culprit in both low and high libido levels. When your stress is lower, your libido is likely to increase. The same is true for your mental health—the better your mental health is, the more likely it is for your sexual desire to increase.

Additionally, if you’re having good sex, your body will want more of it. Regular exercise—in part because it leads to a boost of self-confidence, reduced stress, and better sleep—can also lead to higher and increased libido.

In women, some may experience higher libido at a particular part of their menstrual cycle.

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How Does Libido Change Over Time?

As we age, both men and women may experience changes in sex drive. In discussing exactly what does sex drive mean, it’s helpful to note how the male and female libido changes over time.

In Women

When women go through menopause (both before, during, and after), the levels of their sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone, will lower. This, along with age-related health problems or drug side effects, can affect females’ libido. Similarly, women may experience a decreased interest in sex during and after pregnancy. This may be due to changes in hormone levels, exhaustion, and body image.

In Men

As men age, they experience lower levels of the sex hormone testosterone, which may result in decreased sex drive. Like females, they may also suffer from age-related health problems, mobility issues, or side effects of drugs, which may also affect male libido.

The male testosterone level tends to decrease in the 40s and the 50s, many men may find they’re having trouble maintaining an erection. From ED products and ED devices, we have many tips on how to increase sex drive in men!

What to Do Next

If you are suffering from decreased libido, you aren’t alone. Once you understand exactly what is libido, there are several things you can do to take control of your sexual health. You can speak with your doctor, therapist, or relationship support group.

Some quick tips for increasing your libido include:

  • Getting enough exercise
  • Practicing healthy sleep habits
  • Alleviate stress
  • Limit alcohol intake and stop smoking
  • Communicate with your partner

For males who are experiencing erectile dysfunction, you can also go the route of Eddie by Giddy. Eddie is more than just a treatment for ED. It works with the natural physiology of an erection to help enrich the lives of men and their partners.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Eddie works, reach out to our team today. We not only take pride in our products but in our exceptional customer service, too. And we’re always here to help.

 

Sources:

  1. Loss of Libido.NHS. Accessed November 5th, 2020.
  2. Is It Just Me or Is My Sex Drive Higher Than Usual?Healthline. Accessed November 5th, 2020.
  3. What is Libido?News Medical Life Sciences. Accessed November 5th, 2020.
  4. Low Sex Drive in Women.Mayo Clinic. Accessed November 5th, 2020